3 CREATIVE (AND MACRO-FRIENDLY!) COCKTAIL RECIPES

In the spirit of balance, it’s important to know that if you’re someone who enjoys an occasional cocktail, there are ways to make or order them in a way that is also in line with your nutrition goals. These three unique and refreshing drinks are both delicious and a bit more mindful of their calorie and macro content. 

(Alcohol still does have an impact on our caloric intake and health, even when we are enjoying lower-calorie options. Please drink responsibly!)

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and crisp, spicy and fun, or indulgent and tropical, these recipes have you covered!

CUCUMBER MINT FIZZ (LIGHT AND CRISP, AROUND 100 CALORIES)

What you need:

• 1.5 oz gin (or vodka, depending on preference)

• 4-6 oz cucumber soda water (or cucumber-flavored sparkling water)

• 5-6 fresh mint leaves

• 3-4 slices cucumber

• 1 tsp agave syrup (optional, adds some sweetness)

• Ice

• Optional garnish: lime wedge
  

What to do:

1. Muddle the mint leaves and cucumber slices in the bottom of a shaker or glass to release their flavors.

2. Add the gin (or vodka) and agave syrup (if using).

3. Fill with ice and shake or stir to combine.

4. Pour into a glass and top with cucumber soda water.

5. Garnish with cucumber slices and a sprig of mint for a refreshing look.

SPICY PALOMA (SPICY KICK TO A CLASSIC, ABOUT 200 CALORIES)

What you need:

• 2 oz silver tequila

• 2 oz grapefruit juice (fresh-squeezed is best if you can swing it, but a can or bottle works just as well!)

• 1 oz jalapeño syrup (or simple syrup with fresh jalapeño slices)

• 2 oz club soda

• Tajín for rimming the glass (optional, but gives a great kick)

• Optional garnish: lime wedge

• Ice
  

What to do:

1. Rim your glass with Tajín for that extra zing.

1. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and jalapeño syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well to mix.

3. Strain into your glass and top with club soda.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of fresh jalapeño (for that extra kick!).

BANANAS FOSTER RUM PUNCH (TROPICAL AND INDULGENT, AROUND 300 CALORIES)

What you need:

• 2 oz dark rum

• 1 oz banana liqueur (or use half banana puree, half simple syrup)

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 oz dark brown sugar syrup (or simple syrup made with brown sugar)

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• Ice

• Optional garnish: ground cinnamon
  

What to do:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the dark rum, banana liqueur, brown sugar syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, and heavy cream.

2. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.

3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and an optional slice of banana or pineapple for a tropical touch.

Do you have a favorite or go-to cocktail? Or one that you are looking to make a little more macro-friendly? Let me know in the comments!